Duncan to sit out Spurs-Wolves

Acknowledging some concern about Tim Duncan’s sore knees, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich decided to have his All-Star power forward sit out Tuesday’s game at the AT&T Center against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the second game of a set of back-to-back games.

“Timmy will sit tonight in the back-to back,” Popovich said. “He doesn’t love it, but I just think it’s important for him to be fresh and healthy for the end of the season. I think one way to do it is to limit the number of back-to-backs you play in down the stretch. That’s what I’m doing.”

Duncan sat out three games, from Feb. 24-27, with tendonosis in his right quadriceps. He returned for the Spurs’ March 1 game at Portland, and had not missed a game since.

Popovich said Duncan’s knees have bothered him at various times this season, but stressed that Duncan would have preferred to suit up for Tuesday’s game.

“From time to time, Timmy’s knees will bother him and it will affect his lay to some degree,” Popovich said. “For the most part, he’s had to deal with that more than people would know, and done a great job with always being there for us. I’m just forcing him to sit.”